Marine On Leave Has Vehicle, Gear Stolen

Local Marine Corps Sgt. Andrew Hollom Jr. had his leave interrupted when his vehicle was stolen in Poplar Jan. 12. The vehicle was found by Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice officers Jan. 15 below Honda Hill.

Hollom graduated Poplar High School in 2015, enlisted in 2016 and is currently in his sixth year with the Marines.

Erin Ricker told the Northern Plains Independent that efforts are underway to replace Hollom’s belongings and get him on the road to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. He was traveling to the base from Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Calif., when the theft occurred. His leave has been extended.

According to Ricker, the theft included guns and Hollom’s dress uniform. She said the items included, “a 38 special, a 9mm, his iPhone and special military boots.”

“His stereo and amp were stripped and anything worth selling was stolen,” said Ricker. “Windows busted out, headlights busted out,” said Ricker. “Dash stabbed with a tire iron and pulled apart. The ignition wires were all ripped out and cut, so the car is absolutely worthless and can’t be fixed. His dress blues are $2,000 to replace, but we don’t know the amount for the dry cleaners or anything. We are hoping they can just revive it and clean it. We bought him a $4,000 car and got it registered. We also got him a new phone.”

Ricker said the community has been contributing to fundraising efforts.

“So far we have gotten $1,700 and that has been such a blessing,” said Ricker.